Pannun Issues R-Day Threats, Delhi Police File Charges

WASHINGTON, DC – Delhi Police on January 23 registered an FIR against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the American Sikh leader of the banned group Sikh for Justice, over alleged threats to create unrest in the city ahead of Republic Day celebrations on January 26.

Officials said the charges relate to criminal conspiracy and acts endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India, among other national security related offences.

Police sources said the case was initiated after a video circulated on social media in which Pannun issued threats targeting Delhi around Republic Day. In the video, he claimed that pro-Khalistan posters had been pasted in areas such as Rohini and Dabri by what he described as sleeper cells. However, after verification and searches at the locations mentioned, the Special Cell said no such posters have been found so far. Investigations are continuing to determine the origin of the video and the intent behind the claims.

Separately, India on January 22 strongly condemned the trespassing of the Indian Embassy in Croatia and the vandalization of the national flag by Khalistani activists.

A video shared online by Pannun showed a Khalistani activist allegedly entering the Indian Embassy in Zagreb, removing the national flag, and replacing it with a Khalistan flag. In the video, Pannun issued further provocative statements and claimed New Delhi would be a target on January 26. (IANS)